The Dons boss reflects on the dramatic victory at Easter Road.

“I think in cup competition it’s all about getting through. I thought we started the game really well and there’s a healthy regard for Hibs in their attacking threat and we tried to set up to make sure we could nullify that. I thought we did that in that opening half an hour. I thought Hibs finished the first half stronger and half time came at a good time for us. Joe made a couple of saves and it was all a bit too stretched for our liking and it was important we got the boys back in. I thought we could have made more of certain opportunities in that first half.

“We threatened to counter and be very slick through Gary and James’s movement. We got in some very promising positions, but we were too rushed or too heavy with the touch and I was hoping that wasn’t going to bite us. Hibs don’t often score at Easter Road – I can’t remember the last time they never. When you play good teams it’s all about getting that balance right in attacking and defending.

“Second half they kept pushing away and we had chances to get something from it. James Wilson was excellent, and he was only down to play an our, but every time we went to take him off he did something that lit the game up. That gave us encouragement and we’re trying to get him up to speed. You can see how important he’s going to be for me.

“In extra time there wasn’t a lot happening and it was two tired teams, but two teams still trying to win the game. We tried to be positive with the subs and we ended up with Mackay-Steven, McGinn, Anderson and May at the death trying to get something. It was also the intention to have as many good penalty takers on the pitch if it went the full distance. I had seven volunteers to take the first five. When it goes to extra time and penalties it doesn’t become about being a good footballer, it becomes about so much more. I’ve never been one that buys into penalties being a lottery, It isn’t. It’s technique, mental strength and courage to take that kick and be confident. I thought we were very good and when you’ve got a goalkeeper like Joe Lewis you always feel confident anyway.

“We’ve had some very tight matches against Hibs of late and there’s not been a lot between us. Neil has them going well and I feel for Neil because there has to be a loser in the cup, but his team are going the right way. They are a good side again and that’s testament to him and his players. We’re delighted we’ve managed to find a way to win the game and come through.

“We’ll deal with the Semi-Final when it comes round and whoever we get. It’s another clean sheet for us against good opposition and it’s another step towards being where we want to be. When you’re not at your best it’s still important to pick up points and win games. That’s where we are at the minute. We’ve stayed quiet and only lost once this season and that was playing 87 minutes with ten men. We’re not where we want to be at the minute, but we are certainly not as bad as one or two people maybe think. We’ve got a lot going for us and hopefully the added confidence from tonight and resilience that’s required just bolsters my whole squad. Hopefully some players can take some belief and encouragement from tonight’s result.”

RedTV | Hibernian v Aberdeen LIVE from Easter Road